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Rangers option Perez to Triple-A Round Rock

Rangers option Perez to Triple-A Round Rock

ARLINGTON -- It didn't take long for the Rangers to call up Martin Perez again after his first big league stint. His second big league stint also didn't last long.

After less than two weeks and just two outings, the Rangers on Wednesday optioned Perez to Triple-A Round Rock to make room on their 25-man Major League roster for the recently acquired Ryan Dempster.

Perez turned in his second straight quality start in the Rangers' loss to the Red Sox on July 24, taking a no-decision after giving up one run on five hits over six innings in that 2-1 defeat. He also threw a scoreless ninth inning during Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Angels.

"He came in last night and did a good job," manager Ron Washington said Wednesday. "It's just a matter of when his time is, and it's not right now. But he understands that we won't hesitate to get him if something happens. The most important thing for him is that he pitches. He's young. He doesn't need to be sitting up here in the bullpen."

After spending nearly a month in the big leagues after being recalled June 26, Perez was sent to Round Rock on July 18 before being called up five days later when Colby Lewis was lost for the rest of the season with a torn tendon in his right elbow. Perez is 5-5 with a 4.59 ERA with Round Rock this season.

"He'll still have an opportunity to make his splash, but he'll be more on the scene coming into Spring Training next year," Washington said. He'll be coming in fighting for a job next year."